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Hello techs,I am an auto tech and no stranger to AC systems and electricity.Any help would be greatly appreciated.(I'm SWEATING !)My Trane XE 1000 compressor seems to be seized.When called to be on,it hums and will dim the lights in the house until it internally trips.I have traced voltage to the 3 wires going into the compressor and have volts(110) at all 3 wires.The unit is only 10 yrs old.Could this possibly be one of the controls preventing the compressor to start or is it definitely time to replace the compressor? Thank You in advance for your time and if I can answer an auto question,don't hesitate to ask.
AL BLUME
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Originally posted by bikeral Hello techs,I am an auto tech and no stranger to AC systems and electricity.Any help would be greatly appreciated.(I'm SWEATING !)My Trane XE 1000 compressor seems to be seized.When called to be on,it hums and will dim the lights in the house until it internally trips.I have traced voltage to the 3 wires going into the compressor and have volts(110) at all 3 wires.The unit is only 10 yrs old.Could this possibly be one of the controls preventing the compressor to start or is it definitely time to replace the compressor? Thank You in advance for your time and if I can answer an auto question,don't hesitate to ask.
AL BLUME
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Thanks to all who responded.I really thought it would be a simple diagnosis especially since the house lights dim when compressor attempts to engage. Mark B. asked an important question of me."Does the compessor fan run?" It does NOT.Thinking about this gives me a different perspective.If compressor was seized,how does that relate to fan not running.Maybe it's not compressor after all.Guess I will call a pro.As for voltage readings,I was reading with one lead grounded.Thanks,AL

If the condensor fan also doesn't run, the problem is probably a bad run capacitor. Those units use a dual run capacitor that has the capacitor for the compressor and the fan motor all in one case.
Run capacitors are the most common electrical failure in condensing units, regardless of brand.